| What
is an "EOC?" |
The Emergency
Operation Center (EOC) is a secure facility where City department
heads are able to work in the event of a large disaster. The facility
provides centralization of City response to major events. The EOC
allows for City departments to work closely together to make recovery
more efficient for the community. |
|
| Where is the EOC
located? |
The EOC is located in the
basement of the downtown Police Department located at 4102 Orange
Street. |
|
| Is there someone
who can make a presentation to my group or organization? |
Yes. The Emergency Manager
is available to provide presentations on many topics at no charge
to the group or organization. Presentations include earthquake
preparedness, africanized honey bees, floods, and terrorism. |
|
| Does the City have
a disaster plan? |
Yes. The City is required
by state and federal regulation to have a response and recovery
plan. This plan covers everything from earthquakes and plane crashes
to fires and flooding. This plan is maintained by the Emergency
Manager and is continuously updated. A major update of the plan
is done every five years. The newly revised plan is available
to view at Riverside Public Library, Reference Section. |
|
| What is disaster
preparedness? |
Disaster preparedness is
the means of preparing for a disaster before it happens. Some ways
of preparing would be storage of food, water, and medicine in the
event you had to be on your own for three days, planning escape
routes, and setting up out of area contacts. These are just a few
of the things you can do. |
|
| What types of disasters
occur in the Riverside area? |
Riverside is most vulnerable
to floods. However, we can have earthquakes, draughts, fires, winds,
Africanized honey bees, fire ants and situations such as civil
unrest, terrorism and energy shortages. |
|
| How many people
work in the EOC? What kind of training to they receive? |
The EOC has two full time
paid staff and two volunteers. The EOC Manager receives extensive
training through State and Federal classes. The EOC Manager is
required to maintain certification for the position and must attend
disaster related classes throughout the year. |
|
| Can I request brochures
and pamphlets via e-mail or telephone? |
Yes, either method is acceptable.
You may call 951-826-5550 or send your request to Vivian Widman
at vwidman@riversideca.gov Be sure to indicate the type of material
you want and a mailing address. All of our materials may be copied
for distribution to your group or organization. |
|
| What do you do
when there is no emergency? |
EOC staff is responsible
for maintaining the readiness of the City to all emergencies. Plans,
presentations and training are done on a continuous basis. The
EOC plans yearly exercises for the hospitals, fire, police and
other city staff. |
|
| Where are the nearest bomb and fallout
shelters? |
Bomb and fallout shelters were the direct result
of a fear of nuclear war in the 1950’s and 60’s. With
the decline of the “Cold War” the need for these shelters
has disappeared. The City has developed extensive emergency plans
and resources to ensure a coordinated response to any disaster, including
a terrorist event. The best thing to do is listen to the radio or
television for any information such as the location of any shelter
- if established, or the need to “shelter-in-place”. |
|
| What
do you mean by “shelter-in-place”? |
“Shelter-in-place” is
intended to keep you safe while remaining indoors. For other natural
disaster you may be directed by local officials to go to a community
shelter for safety purposes. However, the intent of a “shelter-in-place” means
selecting a small, interior room, with no or few windows and taking
refuge there. |
|
| An above ground location
is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air, and may
seep into basements even if the windows are closed. Large storage
closets, utility rooms, pantries, copy and conference rooms without
exterior windows work well. Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier
than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door and any vents
into the room. There is no need to seal off your entire home or office
with duct tape and plastic sheeting. |
| It is important to remember
that instructions to “shelter-in-place” mean shelter
for a few hours, not days or weeks. There is little danger that the
room in which you are taking shelter will run out of oxygen and you
will suffocate. Keep listening to your radio or television until
you are told all is safe. |
| Should I buy a gas mask? |
Biological and radiological agents, which are
airborne, are vapors, not gasses – so there’s no need
for a gas mask. Vapors immediately begin to dissipate once they are
released. When you leave an area, the risk of being affected by a
vapor diminishes. Gas masks were developed for soldiers who have
to remain in a specific area - that’s the big difference. You
can leave an area and always leave the risk. |
|
| Chemical gasses need to be delivered in large
quantities in order to kill or cause injuries. If you smell a vapor
or gas, remember to stay calm. If you panic you have a tendency to
breathe faster and you will breathe more of the biological, radiological
or chemical agent. Listen to local radio and television broadcasts
for information if an airborne attack occurs. |
| Should I start storing food, water,
medical supplies, clothing, etc.? |
It makes good sense to store food, water and
medical supplies as well as duct tape and plastic sheeting. Natural
disasters can occur at any time, and the City encourages you to do
all you can to be prepared for all types of hazards. Why not be ready? |
|
| What is the City of Riverside doing
about terrorist attacks? |
The City is involved in a multi-jurisdictional
group whose responsibilities are to develop terrorism emergency response
plans and training. The Police Department continually assesses threats
to determine if they are credible. The City has been very pro-active
in its terrorist planning. |
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